Comparing the Quantitative and Qualitative Components of IOTN Index in Determining the Orthodontic Treatment Need in Ahvaz, Iran

This study aimed to compare the quantitative and qualitative components of IOTN index in determining the orthodontic treatment needed in High school students in Ahvaz, Iran.
This cross-sectional study was performed on 356 students aged 15-18 years. The samples were selected by cluster stratified method and the information was collected using IOTN index and clinical examinations. Statistical data were obtained using the descriptive analysis and chi-square test (P <0.05).
The findings showed that 51.94% of males and 80.5% of females had no or little treatment need, 17.94% of males and 3% of females had moderate and 30.12% of males and 16.5% of females had severe or extreme treatment needs. Regarding the aesthetic component of (AC), based on the student’s point of view, 76.5% of males and 98.8% of females had no or little need, 15.2% of males and 1.3% of females had moderate need and 8.3% of males and 0% of females had severe or extreme treatment need. According to the dentist's opinion, 93.6% of males and 90% of females had no or little need, 5.1% of males and 4.5% of females had moderate needs, 1.3% of males and 5.5% of females had definite needs for treatment. Comparing the DHC and the AC showed that the DHC-based orthodontic treatment need is higher.
Occlusion-based judgment is more accurate and less complex. Aesthetic-based judgment is descriptive, indefinite, and individualized, and depends on a variety of social, psychological, cultural, and ethnic factors, and is more complex. Therefore, in order to achieve a better quality of life, it is recommended to consider the aesthetic and appearance-related factors based on the patient's opinion.